Senate debates

Wednesday, 4 December 2019

• Business (0 speeches)
  • Consideration of Legislation (25 speeches)
    I seek leave to move a motion to provide for the consideration of the Migration Amendment (Repairing Medical Transfers) Bill 2019 for the remainder of today. Leave not granted. Pursuant to...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Migration Amendment (Repairing Medical Transfers) Bill 2019; Second Reading (9 speeches)
    I move the second reading amendment, a very simple and important amendment, that has been circulated in my name on sheet 8851: At the end of the motion add: ", and further consideration of the...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (26 speeches)
    Let me make the most important point up front: there is no secret deal. Let me repeat that again: there is no secret deal. There is no secret. The Australian people know extremely well the work...
  • In Committee (10 speeches)
    Senator Keneally, you have sought and been granted leave to move amendments on sheet 8856.
  • Third Reading (1 speech)
    The question is that the remaining stages of the bill be agreed to and the bill be now passed.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Autism Select Committee, Northern Australia Agenda Select Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    ( I remind senators that the question may be put on any proposal at the request of any senator. There being none, we'll move on.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (2019 Measures No. 1) Bill 2019; Second Reading (4 speeches)
    The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (2019 Measures No. 1) Bill 2019 is essentially the same bill as the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2019, which was tabled and then lapsed...
  • Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (2019 Measures No. 1) Bill 2019; In Committee (2 speeches)
    I table a supplementary explanatory memorandum and move government amendment (1) on sheet PJ101: (1) Schedule 2, item 16, page 12 (after line 12), after subsection 105A.5(9), insert:...
  • Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (2019 Measures No. 1) Bill 2019; Third Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Aged Care Legislation Amendment (New Commissioner Functions) Bill 2019; Second Reading (3 speeches)
    The Aged Care Legislation Amendment (New Commissioner Functions) Bill 2019 provides for the transfer of functions and powers from the Department of Health to the Aged Care Quality and Safety...
• Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
  • Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction (1 speech)
    This is the time at which Mr Taylor's representatives were ordered by the Senate to table a copy of the City of Sydney annual report and any documents supporting the claim that he made in his...
  • Nuclear Energy (1 speech)
    It is time that we had a serious conversation about nuclear power in Australia. In July this year I joined my colleague Keith Pitt, the member for Hinkler, in calling for an inquiry into the...
  • Energy (11 speeches)
    I rise to make a statement on the parlous state of energy supply in Victoria. My once great state is now facing a high probability of electricity blackouts this summer due to the failures of the...
  • Mining (4 speeches)
    Earlier this month BMA—BHP Mitsubishi Alliance—announced that they would be automating 300 jobs at the Goonyella mine in Central Queensland by rolling out 86 driverless trucks over...
  • Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
    Today is a dark day for the Senate, with the repeal of the medevac bill. On the basis of a secret deal between the government and Senator Lambie, the government has dismantled the only shred of...
  • Western Australia: Community Events (1 speech)
    I rise this afternoon to recognise the Western Australian finalists in the WA Australian of the Year Awards of 2020. This remarkable array of Western Australians serves our nation with...
  • Workplace Safety (1 speech)
    I wish to put on the parliamentary record that in this week in particular, where all Australians are saying no to violence—no to family and domestic violence; no to emotional and physical...
  • China (1 speech)
    Australians are very concerned about key assets being sold to Chinese companies. I want to remind the government about the reasons for these concerns before the Treasurer rubber stamps any more...
  • Welfare Reform (1 speech)
    I rise to inform the Senate about a recent fact-finding trip I undertook across the WA border to the South Australian town of Ceduna. The reason that I ventured to Ceduna was to observe the...
  • Tasmania: Emergency Food Relief (2 speeches)
    I thank the previous speaker for his good wishes to all senators in the chamber. It is very fortunate that in the chamber we have all four Tasmanian Labor senators. Senator Bilyk, Senator Polley...
• Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
  • (1 speech)
    I advise the Senate that Senator Payne will be absent from question time on Wednesday and Thursday, 4 and 5 December 2019, due to ministerial business overseas. In Senator Payne's absence,...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Economy (13 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. Can the minister confirm that the national accounts released today have revealed that economic growth actually went...
  • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health, Senator Cash. Can the minister update the Senate on how the Morrison government's sound budget and economic management is...
  • Immigration Detention (42 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. When forcing the medevac repeal bill through the Senate, the minister told the Senate: … there is no secret...
  • Agriculture Industry (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator McKenzie. Can the minister update the Senate on how the sound budget and economic management of the Liberal and Nationals government is...
  • Economy (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. Today's national accounts figures have revealed that the Australian economy continues to grow at less than two per...
  • Gambling (9 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Ruston. Can the minister advise the Senate how the Morrison government's sound budget and economic management is helping...
  • Socialism (23 speeches)
    Wait until you hear the question! My question is to the Minister for Finance, Senator Cormann. Minister, socialism is a political and economic ideology that rejects the free market and supports...
  • Education (28 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Education, Senator Birmingham. According to the 2018 PISA results overnight, Australia has recorded our worst-ever international test...
  • Infrastructure (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Canavan. Can the minister outline how the...
  • Member for Chisholm (18 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. I refer the minister to the report 'Liberal MP Liu linked to donor at centre of cash drop inquiry', published in...
• Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
  • (9 speeches)
    Pursuant to standing order 190, I seek leave to make a personal explanation. Leave granted. It has been brought to my attention that yesterday, during a press conference with the shadow...
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Economy (17 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Cormann) to questions without notice asked by Senator Gallagher and Senator Walsh today. Another day...
  • Immigration Detention (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Financee (Senator Cormann) to a question without notice asked by Senator Di Natale today. I use the word 'answer' because...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Presentation (1 speech)
    I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move: That provisions of paragraphs 5 to 8 of standing order 111 not apply to various bills as set out in the list circulated in the chamber,...
  • Withdrawal (1 speech)
    I withdraw General Business Notice of Motion No. 72 standing in the name of Senator Kitching for 5 February 2020 relating to the establishment of a select committee.
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Leave of Absence (1 speech)
    I seek leave to move a motion relating to absence for Senator Payne. Leave granted. I move: That leave of absence be granted to Senator Payne today and 5 December 2019 on account of ministerial...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Transport Security Amendment (Testing and Training) Bill 2019, National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Bill 2019; First Reading (1 speech)
    I indicate to the Senate that these bills are being introduced together. After debate on the motion for the second reading has been adjourned, I will be moving a motion to have the bills listed...
  • Transport Security Amendment (Testing and Training) Bill 2019, National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Bill 2019; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I table the explanatory memorandum relating to the bills and move these bills be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speeches incorporated in Hansard. Leave is...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Australian of the Year Awards (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Sterle, Pratt, Lines, Dodson, O'Sullivan and Brockman move: That the Senate— (a) notes that the 2020 Australian of the Year Awards finalists were announced...
  • Dairy Industry (4 speeches)
    I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 327 standing in my name for today relating to the Australian dairy industry, and the attendance of a minister. Leave granted. I move...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Education and Employment References Committee Report: Government Response; Order for the Production of Documents (4 speeches)
    Before moving general business notice of motion No. 328, I wish to inform the Senate that Senator Sheldon will also sponsor the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senator Sheldon, move: That there...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Australian Public Service (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that:   (i) the Australian Public Service (APS) performs an essential role, from protecting our national security to supporting the most...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry; Order for the Production of Documents (4 speeches)
    I move: That there be laid on the table by the Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology, by 9.30 am on 5 December 2019, the draft response to the...
  • Defence Facilities: Chemical Contamination; Order for the Production of Documents (4 speeches)
    I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 333 standing in my name for today proposing an order for the production of documents concerning PFAS and the results of blood and...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Northern Australia Agenda Select Committee; Appointment (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Watt, I move: That paragraph (5) of the resolution of the Senate of 4 July 2019, appointing the Select Committee on the effectiveness of the Australian Government's...
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Reporting Date (1 speech)
    At the request of Senators Carr and Stoker, I move: That the time for the presentation of the report of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee on the provisions of the Native...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Census: Gender and Sexuality Questions; Order for the Production of Documents (4 speeches)
    I move: 1. That the Senate notes that: a. in briefings prepared for the Assistant Treasurer, the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicated that the October 2019 field test for the 2021 Census...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Immigration Detention (4 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— a. notes that: i. two gay Saudi journalists are currently being detained by the Australian Government after fleeing their home country where homosexuality is...
  • Domestic and Family Violence (4 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) the overall national toll for women killed by violence since the start of 2019 now stands at 51, as reported by Counting Dead Women Australia...
  • Medical Workforce (1 speech)
    I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 341 standing in my name. Leave granted. I move the motion as amended: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) there were 10.9...
  • Department of Home Affairs: Visa Processing (4 speeches)
    Before asking that the motion be taken as formal, I wish to inform the chamber that all opposition senators will sponsor the motion. I, at the request of Senator Keneally, and also on behalf of...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Telecommunications Amendment (Repairing Assistance and Access) Bill 2019; First Reading (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Keneally, I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Telecommunications Act 1997, and for related purposes. Question agreed to. I...
  • Telecommunications Amendment (Repairing Assistance and Access) Bill 2019; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to table an explanatory memorandum relating to the bill. Leave granted. I table an explanatory memorandum and I seek leave to have...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • New Skilled Regional Visas (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019 (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Keneally, I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that:   (i) on 16 November 2019, applications opened for two new skilled regional visas – the Skilled...
  • Gambling (1 speech)
    Before moving general business notice of motion No. 345, I wish to inform the chamber that Senator Waters will also sponsor the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senator Waters, move: That the...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Economics References Committee; Reference (5 speeches)
    I seek leave to amend business of the Senate notice of motion No. 3 standing in my name for today, proposing a reference to the Economics References Committee concerning the review of foreign...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Pensions and Benefits (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that:   (i) people living on Newstart and Youth Allowance find the festive season a particularly difficult time and they do not enjoy the same...
  • Urannah Water Scheme (2 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that the Urannah Water Scheme will:   (i) increase water security for the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions,   (ii) provide a...
  • Forestry (8 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Henderson, O'Sullivan, Brockman, Abetz, Askew, Hughes, Rennick and Van, move: That the Senate— (a) notes that:   (i) the Intergovernmental Panel...
  • Budget: Foreign Aid (5 speeches)
    I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 334, relating to Australia's foreign aid budget. Leave granted. I move the motion as amended: That the Senate— (a) notes that the...
  • Climate Change: Public Health (8 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) acknowledges that the Australian Medical Association, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Australian College of Emergency Medicine and the...
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Monetary Policy (10 speeches)
    A letter has been received from Senator Hanson: Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion: In light of the...
• Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
  • (1 speech)
    I take this opportunity to acknowledge and welcome former government Senate leader Nick Minchin. Welcome back to the Senate.
• Parliamentary Representation (0 speeches)
  • Valedictory (8 speeches)
    A month or so ago I turned 50 and my mother gave me my secondary school reports. To be frank, reading them only highlighted just how incredible it is that I am actually a senator at all. The...
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Monetary Policy (5 speeches)
    I got caught by surprise a little bit there, but seeing as I'm on my feet and Senator Bernardi's still in the room, I will say that I've known Senator Bernardi for quite a long time. I came here...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Withdrawal (1 speech)
    by leave—I withdraw the notice of motion standing in my name and in the names of Senators Davey and McDonald lodged earlier today.
• Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
  • Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the 141st Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (1 speech)
    I table the report of the Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the 141st Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, which was held in Belgrade, Serbia, from 13 to 17 October this year. I seek leave to...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation Committee; Delegated Legislation Monitor (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation, Senator Fierravanti-Wells, I present the Delegated Legislation Monitor No. 10 of 2019.
  • Intelligence and Security Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, I present the annual report of committee activities 2018-19. I move: That the Senate take note of the report. I seek...
  • Environment and Communications References Committee; Report (4 speeches)
    I present the interim report of the Environment and Communications References Committee on Australia's faunal extinction crisis, environmental protections for native grasslands and the conduct of...
  • Public Accounts and Audit Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, I present the 2018-19 annual report of the committee, together with executive minutes, and I move: That the Senate take note of the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Amendment (Assisted Reproductive Treatment Statistics) Bill 2019; Report from Committee (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee, I present the report of the committee on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Amendment (Assisted Reproductive Treatment...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas Select Committee; Report (6 speeches)
    I present the report of the Select Committee into Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas together with the Hansard record of proceedings and documents presented to the committee, and I seek leave...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Prime Minister; Order for the Production of Documents (10 speeches)
    by leave—I table documents relating to the orders for the production of documents concerning corporate emissions and energy data and the City of Sydney's annual report 2017-2018.
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Presentation (1 speech)
    I seek leave to give a late notice of a motion for the general business debate tomorrow. Leave granted. I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move: The text of the motion was...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Christmas (1 speech)
    Tonight, I rise to speak on the importance of Christmas and the importance of respecting our Christian heritage at this time of year. Like many in this place, I held a Christmas card colouring...
  • Northern Territory (1 speech)
    I will take this opportunity, given that it will be my last chance to speak to the Senate before the Christmas break, to thank the people of the Northern Territory for their support and to...
  • Racism (1 speech)
    Muslim women have a right to be safe in our communities. We have a right to socialise and to be in public wherever and whenever we want. We have the right to wear whatever we bloody well want to....
  • Taxation (1 speech)
    There is more to our tax system than simply how high or low rates are comparatively. I, for one, favour lower taxes, leaving individuals the personal freedom to spend their money as they deem...
  • Thailand: Road Safety (1 speech)
    I want to make a contribution about a seminar I attended on 15 November in Bangkok, Thailand, at the invitation of the World Health Organization. The World Health Organization invited a...
  • Gender Equality (1 speech)
    Today I wish to honour the everyday men of Australia—the many males who go about their lives working hard to provide for their families, putting food on the table, without any fuss and...
  • Queensland: Fishing Industry (1 speech)
    As we approach Christmas Day, when many Queenslanders will enjoy Australian seafood, I call upon all Australians to have some thought for the plight of our commercial fishers. There was an...
  • Australian Natural Disasters (1 speech)
    As I've previously noted in this chamber, over the past few weeks we've seen pretty much every state in Australia hit by devastating fires. Tragically, as a result of these fires, four people...